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Each woman was lashed between nine and 25 times, depending on the severity of their crime.

The alleged crimes they were deemed guilty of included inappropriate acts, such as khalwat, which is affectionate contact by an unmarried couple, and ikhtilat, which is intimacy or mixing – both of which are in violation of Islamic bylaw.

One of the women, just 22-years-old, had her lashes delayed as she is currently pregnant.

GETTY

The woman was seen crying in agony as she was lashed in front of hundreds in the baying crowd

This proves that the government and the people of Banda Aceh are committed to implementing and enforcing the Sharia

Zainal Arifin

Aceh’s deputy mayor, Zainal Arifin, said: “The punishment will be handed down after she gives birth.

"Caning sentences have been enforced many times in the city of Banda Aceh.

"This proves that the government and the people of Banda Aceh are committed to implementing and enforcing the Sharia."

GETTY

She can be seen grimacing after one of the brutal strikes

The deputy mayor added that he hoped the lashings would act as a deterrent for any future offenders.

Arifin said: “We hope there are no more people in Banda Aceh who break the law in future.”

Aceh introduced Islamic law after being granted autonomy in 2001.

Ramadan Festival 2016

Wed, July 6, 2016

As Ramadan begins Muslims around the world will endure 33 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset to mark the Islamic holy month.